Karnataka Chief Minister Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Karnataka's New Social Media Policy for Youth

During his recent budget presentation, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a statewide ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16. This initiative aims to combat the rising addiction to mobile phones among the youth. The policy is designed to protect young minds from addictive algorithms, cyberbullying, mental health risks, and harmful content, which experts link to increased anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in teenagers.

Investment in Robotics and AI

Siddaramaiah also revealed plans to establish a robotics and AI campus named the Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone, in collaboration with IISC, ISRO, and Keonics. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of mobile phone usage among children.

Critique of Central Government

While presenting his 17th budget, Siddaramaiah criticized the central government for not adhering to the federal governance system outlined in the Constitution, claiming it has been unjust to the state. He emphasized that the state government is adopting a development strategy that balances welfare programs, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic transformation. He urged the central government to be more responsive to the state's demands.

Karnataka's Economic Contributions

Siddaramaiah highlighted Karnataka's significant role in the nation's development, noting that it is one of the leading states contributing to tax revenue. He stated that the state is at the forefront of development across various sectors and is among the top contributors to national tax revenue. For the fiscal year 2026-27, the total expenditure is projected to be ₹4,48,004 crores, with a budget focused on technology-driven growth, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.